When organs dysfunction, we get a whole host of symptoms that doctors see so often in their practice. Without the integrative model, these health problems can only be treated symptomatically.
However, while Sikh martyrs are remembered in gurdwaras, there have been few initiatives which tell the world about them. One such outstanding initiative is the annual “Portraits of Courage” lecture hosted by Anglo-Sikh Heritage Trail (ASHT) in association with the Imperial War Museum.
This is my story about Bai, who is not only my oldest brother, but my mentor, my peer, the harshest critic of my presentation of 'world music' style kirtan worldwide, but also the father figure after the passing away of Bapu Ji.
Now many gurduaras have started Sunday schools to impart the rudiments of Sikhism to children of Sikh families. No one can object to that. This is how they will stay connected to their very rich and timeless heritage. But with it come messages to push the very young towards an amritdhari life. One could ask: “So what’s the harm? Isn’t this the idea of Sikhi?
Guruka Singh explains that when your parents want you to do something, then you are doing it for them. When it comes to Banis and meditation, you have to do it for yourself and your own experience, and not to please someone else.
If we can see the oneness in the creator and creation, there is then no room left for distinctions of race, caste, creed, gender, color or national origin. The Ultimate reality has no gender, form, race or color.
Seeing the state of the practice of our faith and ‘way of life’, Sikhi today, brings back nostalgic memories of yesteryear (my childhood) when it seemed all so simple and full of joy. I speak of Sikhi in the former Malaya (now Malaysia) where I was born.
Like every year, on November 11 on the Armistice Day, about 300 Sikhs throughout Europe paid a visit to Ieper - Belgium and laid flowers at the Menen Gate the National Monument of Belgium and later at Hollebeke where Sikhs fought for the first time against Germany in October 1914.
In the world of the 21st century our value does not rest in what we acquire, find, or know. It rests in who we have become through our experience. Value lies in our capacity and ability to consciously use information. Ultimately, we are valuable for our wisdom and our ability to deliver results.
I could argue that over 500 years ago the Sikh Founder-Gurus offered the model of an egalitarian society that promised self-governance, transparency and accountability with freedom from racial, caste and gender stereotypes. I have to concede, though, that the practice often remains short of the teaching.